Grizzlies lower aim on free agents

Memphis takes a look at less pricey shooters

Philadelphia 76ers free agent Jodie Meeks is on the Grizzlies radar. The guard is known for his spot-up shooting abilities.

When the NBA free agent period began July 1, the Grizzlies raced toward well-known and highly productive guards — with a $5 million mid-level exception in tow — only to be met by stop signs at every turn.

Memphis moved through the moratorium period unable to pick up commitments from any free agents other than its own. Verbal agreements between teams and proposed trades can be consummated at 11:01 p.m. CDT Tuesday, yet the Grizzlies' approach will be a downshift from the start of free agency.

However, general manager Chris Wallace remains confident that the Griz will satisfy their goals of adding a shooter and backup point guard.

"All the people we're talking to (now) have a track record," Wallace said. "Have they made all-star teams? No. But how many free agents out there have? We were involved with Ray (Allen). We offered him more money (than Miami). We were right there with Jason Terry. We've talked to a ton of people since this started."

Snubbed by Allen and Terry, and unable to get an audience with several other established players, the Grizzlies' road in free agency has narrowed with guards Willie Green, Jodie Meeks and Jordan Farmar now in their sights, according to sources.

The Griz are said to also have interest in guards Sonny Weems and Jerryd Bayless. Russian point guard Alexey Shved was off the Grizzlies' radar as of Monday with a source close to the situation insisting that a deal wouldn't get done.

The Griz won't have enough money to pursue guards Courtney Lee, Randy Foye and Lou Williams — all of whom are still available but looking for contracts starting at no less than the full $5 million mid-level exception.

Memphis has only a $3 million mini-mid-level exception to use on free agents. The exception shrunk once the Griz exceeded the luxury-tax threshold by agreeing to re-sign forwards Darrell Arthur and Marreese Speights.

Green and Farmar are the best shooters of the bunch. Green, a nine-year veteran, shot 47 percent overall and 44 percent from three-point range with Atlanta last season. Farmar's numbers were

similar with the New Jersey Nets.

Green and Farmar are each asking for the full mini-mid-level. Farmar reportedly can play in Turkey next season for $2.5 million if he chooses.

Meeks and Weems likely can be had for a part of the mini-mid-level. Meeks spent the last three years with Philadelphia and is coveted for his long-range, spot-up shooting. He's a career 37-percent shooter from three-point range but not a facilitator.

Meeks also is a below-average defender.

Weems, a former University of Arkansas swingman, is looking to return to the NBA after he spent last season playing in Lithuania. He played for Denver and Toronto after being drafted in 2008. Weems shot 47 percent overall in 140 games over three NBA seasons.

Bayless' value is more difficult to determine. He clearly wasn't worth the $4.1 million qualifying offer to Toronto, which rescinded it last weekend. Bayless is a combo guard who is considered more of a scorer than a shooter given his 41-percent career percentage. Bayless, though, shot a career-best 42 percent from three-point range last season.

The Griz also continue to explore trade possibilities.

Memphis has a $1.3 million trade exception available to use until the trade deadline in 2013. The Griz can trade a player into that salary due to an exception created when Sam Young was dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in February.